What the Phoenix Housing Authority does

The Phoenix Housing Authority (PHA) is a public agency that runs housing programs for low-income residents in Phoenix. It does not build or own most of the housing itself — instead, it pays landlords on behalf of tenants who meet income limits. The main program is Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), which lets you rent from a private landlord while the Authority pays a portion of your rent directly to that landlord.

The Authority also runs public housing (apartments it owns directly), emergency rental information during declared hardships, and supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness. You explore to each program separately, and being on a waiting list for one does not put you on a waiting list for another.

The Phoenix Housing Authority's main office is at 1 South Arizona Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004. You can reach them by phone at (602) 261-8901. Their website is www.phoenixhousing.org, where you can read applications and check waiting list status if you have already applied.

Key Takeaways

  • Housing Choice Vouchers are the largest program; they pay your landlord a portion of rent while you pay the rest, and the waiting list is typically closed or has a multi-year wait.
  • You must have a household income below 50% of the area median income (roughly $35,000 to $45,000 for a family of four, depending on the year) to be considered for most programs.
  • The Authority requires a signed lease with a landlord before it will issue a voucher or begin paying rent on your behalf.
  • You can check your waiting list position and process status online through the Authority's website if you have already submitted an process.
  • Emergency rental information and supportive housing programs have different income limits and timelines than the main voucher program.

Housing Choice Vouchers and the waiting list

Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) are the Phoenix Housing Authority's largest program. The voucher covers a portion of your rent — typically 30% of your household income or the "fair market rent" for your area, whichever is lower. You pay the difference to your landlord. The Authority pays the landlord directly each month.

The waiting list for Housing Choice Vouchers in Phoenix is currently closed. When it opens, the Authority typically accepts applications for a limited period (often a few weeks), then closes the list again. You can check the current status on their website. If the list is open, you must explore in person at the main office or by mail with a completed process form. The form is available on the website.

If you are already on the waiting list, you can check your position online using your process number. The wait time varies; in recent years it has ranged from two to five years depending on your household size and income level. The Authority prioritizes households with the greatest need.

Income limits and household requirements

To be considered for Housing Choice Vouchers or public housing, your household income must be at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI). For Phoenix in 2024, this means roughly $35,000 annually for a single person and $45,000 for a family of four, though these figures change yearly. The Authority counts all household members' income, including children who work.

Income includes wages, Social Security, disability payments, child support, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or gifts. You will need to provide recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer to prove income.

Household size matters for both income limits and rent calculations. The Authority counts anyone living in the unit, including children, elderly relatives, and live-in caregivers. If your household size changes, you must report it to the Authority within 30 days.

Public housing and direct Authority-owned apartments

The Phoenix Housing Authority owns and operates several apartment complexes throughout the city. These are public housing units, distinct from voucher programs. Income limits are the same (50% AMI), but the process process is separate. You explore directly to the housing complex where you want to live, not to the central Authority office.

Public housing rent is calculated the same way as voucher rent: you pay 30% of your household income, and the Authority covers the rest. Waiting lists for public housing vary by complex and location. Some have short waits; others are closed. Call the specific complex or the main Authority office to ask about availability.

Public housing units are scattered across Phoenix neighborhoods. The Authority's website lists all complexes with phone numbers and addresses. Some complexes specialize in housing for elderly residents or people with disabilities, so check whether a specific complex matches your household type.

Emergency rental information and temporary programs

During declared emergencies or funding periods, the Phoenix Housing Authority administers emergency rental information. This program pays rent arrears (money you already owe) or upcoming rent directly to your landlord. It is separate from the voucher program and has different income limits and timelines.

Emergency information is typically available only when the Authority receives dedicated funding from the city, state, or federal government. Funding periods are temporary and often run out. You can call the main office to ask whether the program is currently open. If it is, you will need to provide proof of income, a signed lease, and documentation of the hardship (such as a job loss letter or medical bill).

Processing time for emergency information is usually faster than vouchers — typically two to four weeks — because the program is designed for when ready need. However, funds are limited and programs may close before all requests are processed.

Supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness

The Phoenix Housing Authority runs supportive housing programs for people who are currently homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. These programs combine housing with case management, mental health services, or substance abuse treatment. Income limits may be waived or set lower than standard programs.

Supportive housing is typically accessed through referral agencies rather than direct process. If you are homeless or at risk, contact the City of Phoenix Human Services Department or a local homeless services provider. They can refer you to supportive housing programs run by the Authority or its partners.

Supportive housing units are limited and prioritized for people with the greatest barriers to housing — such as chronic homelessness, serious mental illness, or disability. Wait times vary, and some programs have no wait because they operate on a referral basis.

What documents you need to explore

For Housing Choice Vouchers or public housing, you will need to bring or mail the following to the Phoenix Housing Authority:

  • A completed process form (available on the website or at the office).
  • Photo identification for the head of household.
  • Proof of income for all household members (recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer).
  • Proof of Social Security numbers for all household members.
  • Proof of residency in Phoenix (a utility bill or lease in your name).
  • If you have a disability, documentation from a doctor or social worker (not required to explore, but needed later if you request reasonable accommodations).

For emergency rental information, you will also need a signed lease and proof of the hardship (such as a termination letter from your employer or a medical bill). The Authority may ask for additional documents depending on your situation.

Do not send original documents by mail. Make copies and keep the originals. If you explore in person, bring originals so staff can verify them on the spot.

How to check your process status

If you have already submitted an process to the Phoenix Housing Authority, you can check your status online at www.phoenixhousing.org. You will need your process number and date of birth. The website shows your position on the waiting list (if applicable) and any pending requests for information.

You can also call the main office at (602) 261-8901 and speak with a staff member. Have your process number ready. Staff can tell you whether your process is complete, whether you are on a waiting list, and what to do next if the Authority needs additional documents from you.

If the Authority requests documents or information, they will send a letter to the address on your process. Respond within the important date stated in the letter, or your process may be closed. If you move, notify the Authority when ready so mail reaches you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a voucher after I am approved?

After you are approved for a Housing Choice Voucher, you typically have 60 to 120 days to find a landlord and sign a lease. Once you submit a signed lease to the Authority, it takes another two to four weeks for the Authority to inspect the unit and issue the voucher. The landlord can then begin receiving payments.

Can I use my voucher at any apartment in Phoenix?

No. Your voucher can only be used at apartments where the rent does not exceed the "fair market rent" set by the Authority for your area and unit size. The Authority publishes these limits yearly. Many landlords refuse vouchers altogether, so finding a unit can take time. The Authority's website lists resources for landlord outreach.

What happens if my income increases after I get a voucher?

If your income rises above 80% of the area median income, you will lose your voucher. If it rises but stays below 80% AMI, your rent payment will increase (because you pay 30% of your income). You must report income changes to the Authority within 30 days.

Is there a fee to explore for housing programs?

No. The Phoenix Housing Authority does not charge process fees. If someone asks you for money to explore, they are not affiliated with the Authority. All applications are free.

What if I have an eviction on my record?

The Authority considers eviction history but does not automatically deny applicants with evictions. You will be asked to explain the circumstances. Recent evictions (within the last two to three years) are weighted more heavily than older ones. Evictions related to non-payment of rent are treated more seriously than evictions for lease violations.